Analysis of Greek Tragedy Using the Aristotilean Model

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Greek tragedies, written in ancient times, are still a standard for tragedies written today. Contrary to diminishing in value over time, these tragedies have become cherished pieces of work in the sophisticated literate culture of today. However, one can not delve into these precious works of beautiful literary verse without first having background knowledge of the context they were written, and of the structure they follow. There are several terms, as well as an analysis of tragedies by Aristotle, a philosopher who experienced them firsthand. By knowing the structural basis of tragic works before reading them, one is able to better understand them and appreciate them more fully for the prized trophies of classic literature they are.

First of all, one must realize that tragedies were first written for the stage. Although the exact atmosphere of an ancient performance is rarely recreated, by realizing the context of the play, one can already better understand the reason as well as meaning for such a performance. Aristotle clearly defines what makes a good tragedy, as well as other performing pieces in his volume, The Poetics. He specifies the magnitude of a work can be generally judged by its length-the longer the poet can keep the audience captivated without losing sight of the primary focus of the play, the greater the tragedy is. It cannot be so long, however, as that the memory can not take in the entire performance. Aristotle also gives a history of plays and of the innovations and developments they have undergone. Aeschylus was responsible for the first innovation in classic tragedies, reducing the number in the chorus to 12-15, which previously was around fifty, and introducing a second actor on stage. Sophocl...

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...Michael. "Aristotle: Some Key concepts." John Hopkins Guide to Literary Theory & Criticism (1994): 2 pars. 30 May 2006. http://www.sou.edu/English/Hedges/Sodashop/RCenter/Theory/People/aristotl.htm

"Nemesis." Wikipedia. May 2006: 10 pars. 30 May 2006. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nemesis_%28mythology%29

"Butcher, S.H." "Aristotle's Poetics." Jan. 1998: pages 1-28. 30 May 2006. http://www.leeds.ac.uk/classics/resources/poetics/poettran.htm

"Introduction to Greek Tragedy." 2000: Pages 1-12. 30 May 2006 http://ablemedia.com/ctcweb/netshots/tragedy.htm

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